Integrated technological platform for electrochemical surface engineering
of advanced materials; applications for the integrity assessment and reliability of structures. Acronym: ELSURFSTRUCT

      The goal of the project is the achievement of a Research Platform that should converge, increase and turn to account the expertise at a national level in the field of Surface Science by enlarging the material assets unique in the country and which belong to the group that proposes this Project, the strengthening of human potential, dissemination of the acquired scientific information, development of cooperation with national and foreign partners, including innovative small and average-size enterprises related to Surface Science; a focus of assets will be achieved (material basis, human resources) that should exceed the critical threshold needed for attaining the added value on national and European plan in the area, and for facilitating the integration into ERA.
      The project follows the valuing of material assets and of the experience unique in the country in the field of surface physics and chemistry by means of the enlargement of knowledge in “Surface Science” and by the increase of the capability of using the knowledge in the development of certain applications of “surface engineering” in the area of multi-functional advanced materials.

      The objective of the project will be attained by means of:

1. development and application of a strategy for the integration of research capabilities in the area of Surface Science, interconnected in an informational system (Integrated Laboratory for Surface Science Research);
2. networking with multiple users of the research platform (high-competence research centers in the area and the small-size enterprises selected within the project) as well as with the research centers abroad;
3. development and utilization of a strategy for the formation of young specialists in Surface Science and arousing their interest in the research platform; permanent interaction with Universities will be ensured; work-stages will be organized for young specialists – students and graduates; recommendations will be prepared for new directions in research, as well as Curricula modifications;
4. the completion of a Business Incubator to facilitate small innovative enterprises the development of new, high-standard products and services with added value, based on the development of certain applications of “surface engineering” in the field of advanced multifunctional materials.

The group that proposes this Project has the competence and the credibility to address successfully to the scientific community interested in the Surface Science in Romania. The fact is demonstrated by the on-going collaboration with other partners in the country, in relation to Surface Science.